U.S. patent number 5,429,155 [Application Number 08/064,823] was granted by the patent office on 1995-07-04 for cryogenic fluid coupling.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Moog Inc.. Invention is credited to Glenn M. Brzyski, Martin E. Gordon, Patrick K. Griffin, John J. Holzinger.
United States Patent |
5,429,155 |
Brzyski , et al. |
July 4, 1995 |
Cryogenic fluid coupling
Abstract
A fluid coupling (30) has a male half (32) and a female half
(31). Each half has a poppet (35,42) arranged to move toward and
way from a seat (34,43). The male half (32) has an outer sleeve
(38) which is adapted to guide initial joinder of the female half
distal end (46). After the two halves have been initially joined,
the male half body (39) is extended relative to the sleeve (38) so
as to move both poppets (35,42) off their respective seats and to
permit flow through the coupling. The coupling has protrusions (76)
provided with sharpened edges which are positioned to scrape ice
adhering to facing surfaces when the coupling halves are joined and
separated.
Inventors: |
Brzyski; Glenn M. (Depew,
NY), Gordon; Martin E. (Clarence, NY), Griffin; Patrick
K. (Cowlesville, NY), Holzinger; John J. (Can Gabriel,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Moog Inc. (East Aurora,
NY)
|
Family
ID: |
22058461 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/064,823 |
Filed: |
May 19, 1993 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/614.04;
251/149.6; 285/904; 62/50.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
37/35 (20130101); F17C 2205/037 (20130101); Y10S
285/904 (20130101); Y10T 137/87957 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
F16L
37/28 (20060101); F16L 37/35 (20060101); F16L
037/28 () |
Field of
Search: |
;137/614.04,614.03,614.02,614,614.05 ;285/904,308,311,312
;62/50.7,299 ;251/149.6,149.9,149.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Schwadron; Martin P.
Assistant Examiner: Lee; Kevin L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Phillips, Lytle, Hitchcock, Blaine
& Huber
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a self-scaling fluid coupling half adapted to convey a fluid
at a sub-freezing temperature, said coupling half including a
tubular body having an inner surface and an internal annular seat,
and including a popper mounted within said body for relative
movement toward and away from said seat, the improvement which
comprises:
said poppet having an outer surface arranged in spaced facing
relation to said body inner surface, and having a plurality of
protrusions configured as arcuate segments and extending from one
of said body and poppet surfaces toward the other of said surfaces,
each protrusion terminating in a distal surface arranged to
slidably engage said other surface, and wherein each protrusion has
an outer edge configured and arranged as a scraper for removing ice
adhering to said other surface when said poppet is moved relative
to said body.
2. The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said protrusions
are provided on said poppet, and wherein said poppet is a
cup-shaped member having a cylindrical side wall provided with a
plurality of through-openings adapted to permit ice removed by the
outer edges of said protrusions to pass through said poppet side
wall.
3. A coupling adapted to convey a fluid at a sub-freezing
temperature, comprising:
a female coupling half having a tubular body terminating in a
distal end, said female half body having an inner surface, an outer
surface and an internal abutment surface;
a male coupling half including an outer tubular sleeve having an
inner surface and having an internal shoulder, and including an
inner tubular body arranged concentrically within said sleeve for
axial movement relative thereto, said male half inner tubular body
having a distal end and having an outer surface arranged in spaced
facing relation to said sleeve inner surface so as to form an
annular recess therebetween which extends between said male half
body distal end and said sleeve shoulder, the distal marginal end
portion of said female half body being axially insertable into said
male section recess until said female half body distal end abuts
said male half sleeve shoulder to initially join and align said
coupling halves;
a holding mechanism for preventing unintended separation of said
coupling halves; and
a force-multiplying mechanism for selectively moving said male half
body relative to said male half sleeve in a direction toward said
female half abutment surface after said halves have been held in
such initially-joined position.
4. A coupling as set forth in claim 3 wherein a portion of said
female half body outer surface is configured as a sharp-edged
scraper for removing ice adhering to the inner surface of said male
half sleeve when said male and female halves are moved relative to
one another.
5. A coupling as set forth in claim 4 wherein said male half sleeve
is provided with a plurality of vent openings to allow ice removed
by said scraper to pass through said sleeve.
6. A coupling as set forth in claim 3 and further comprising: a
protrusion mounted on one of said female half inner surface and
male half outer surface to slidably engage the other of said
surfaces to seal the joint between said surfaces.
7. A coupling as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising: a
sliding seal mounted on said protrusion to engage said other
surface.
8. A coupling as set forth in claim 7 and further comprising: a
seal retainer associated with said sliding seal, and wherein said
seal retainer has a portion configured as a sharp-edged scraper
adapted to remove ice adhering to said other surface when said
bodies are moved in one axial direction relative to one
another.
9. A coupling as set forth in claim 8 wherein said male half body
member has a portion configured as a sharp-edged scraper arranged
to remove ice adhering to said female half body inner surface when
said bodies are moved in the opposite axial direction relative to
one another.
10. A coupling as set forth in claim 3 and further comprising a
plurality of protrusions, severally configured as arcuate segments,
mounted on one of said coupling halves in said recess and extending
toward the other of said coupling halves, each protrusion having an
outer edge configured and arranged as a scraper for removing ice
adhering to said other coupling half.
11. In a fluid coupling adapted to convey fluid at a sub-freezing
temperature, said coupling having a first member provided with a
concave arcuate surface generated about an axis and having a second
member provided with a coaxial convex arcuate surface arranged in
spaced facing relation to said concave arcuate surface, said
members being mounted for relative axial movement, the improvement
which comprises:
a protrusion extending from one of said arcuate surfaces toward the
other of said arcuate surfaces, said protrusion having a first side
surface facing in one axial direction and having a second side
surface facing in the opposite axial direction, said protrusion
also having a coaxial distal arcuate surface slidably engaging said
other arcuate surface and joining the margins of said first and
second side surfaces, said first side surface defining with said
distal arcuate surface a first edge adapted to scrape ice adhering
to said other arcuate surface when the protrusion-carrying member
is moved in said one axial direction relative to the other member,
and said second side surface defining with said distal arcuate
surface a second edge adapted to scrape ice adhering to said other
arcuate surface when the protrusion-carrying member is moved in
said opposite axial direction, the radial height of said protrusion
being sufficient to define a space between said concave and convex
surfaces to receive scraped ice;
whereby the area in sliding contact between said members may be
reduced.
12. The improvement as set forth in claim 11 and further
comprising: a sliding seal operatively mounted on said protrusion,
and arranged to slidably engage said other arcuate surface.
13. The improvement as set forth in claim 12 wherein an annular
recess extends into said protrusion from said distal arcuate
surface, and wherein said sliding seal includes a seal member and a
spring element arranged in said recess and engaging said other
arcuate surface in sealed sliding engagement.
14. The improvement as set forth in claim 12 and further
comprising: a seal retainer mounted on said protrusion and
providing a lateral restraint for said seal, said seal retainer
having one of said edges.
15. The improvement as set forth in claim 11 wherein each of said
side surfaces intersects said distal outer surface at an included
angle of about 90.degree..
16. The improvement as set forth in claim 11 and further
comprising: a plurality of said protrusions, and wherein said
protrusions are arranged as arcuate segments.
17. The improvement as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first
member is a body and wherein said second member is a poppet.
18. The improvement as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first
member is a female coupling half body, and wherein said second
member is a male coupling half body.
19. The improvement as set forth in claim 18 and further
comprising: a tubular sleeve surrounding said male coupling half
body, said sleeve having a tapered inner surface adapted to envelop
the distal marginal end portion of said female coupling half body,
said sleeve having a plurality of internal arcuately-segmented
protrusions terminating in arcuate distal end surfaces arranged in
closely-spaced facing engagement to said male half body outer
surface, said protrusions having sharp edges adapted to remove ice
adhering to said male half body convex surface when said male half
sleeve and body are moved axially relative to one another, and
wherein said sleeve has a plurality of slots to allow removed ice
to pass therethrough.
20. The improvement as set forth in claim 19 and further
comprising: a lever operatively arranged to move said male half
body relative to said sleeve.
21. The improvement as set forth in claim 20 and further
comprising: a holding mechanism for preventing unintended
separation of said male and female coupling halves.
22. The improvement as set forth in claim 21 wherein said holding
mechanism is located at a position eccentric to the axis of said
coupled male and female halves.
23. In a fluid coupling adapted to convey fluid at a sub-freezing
temperature, said coupling having a first member provided with a
concave arcuate surface generated about an axis and having a second
member provided with a coaxial convex arcuate surface arranged in
spaced facing relation to said concave arcuate surface, said
members being mounted for relative axial movement, the improvement
which comprises:
a protrusion extending from one of said arcuate surfaces toward the
other of said arcuate surfaces, said protrusion having a first side
surface facing in one axial direction and having a second side
surface facing in the opposite axial direction, said protrusion
also having a coaxial distal arcuate surface slidably engaging said
other arcuate surface and joining the margins of said first and
second side surfaces, said first side surface defining with said
distal arcuate surface a first edge adapted to scrape ice adhering
to said other arcuate surface when the protrusion-carrying member
is moved in said one axial direction relative to the other member,
said second side surface defining with said distal arcuate surface
a second edge adapted to scrape ice adhering to said other arcuate
surface when the protrusion-carrying member is moved in said
opposite axial direction, a tubular sleeve surrounding said first
member in spaced relation thereto, said sleeve having a tapered
inner surface adapted to envelop the distal marginal end portion of
said second member, said sleeve having a plurality of internal
arcuately-segmented protrusions terminating in arcuate distal end
surfaces arranged in closely-spaced facing engagement to said first
member outer surface, said protrusions having sharp edges adapted
to remove ice adhering to said first member convex surface when
said first member sleeve and body arc moved axially relative to one
another, and wherein said sleeve has a plurality of slots to allow
removed ice to pass therethrough;
whereby the area in sliding contact between said members may be
reduced.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to the field of fluid couplings,
and, more particularly, to an improved coupling having separable
male and female halves and which is adapted to handle fluids at
sub-freezing or even cryogenic temperatures.
BACKGROUND ART
Very cold fluids at cryogenic temperatures (i.e, less than
-150.degree. C.) pose special handling problems, principally
because the temperature of such fluids will quickly lower the
temperature of any valve or coupling through which they flow
When such a coupling is used to transfer a cryogenic fluid,
freeze-up problems may occur if the transfer takes place in a moist
or high-humidity environment. Any water within, or immediately
outside of, the coupling will quickly freeze, thereby potentially
impeding subsequent movement of mechanical parts within the
coupling. Moreover, successive transfers from a fluid source with
the same pre-chilled coupling half to mating coupling halves
communicating with different receptacles at warmer ambient
temperatures, have been known to result in freeze-up and leakage
because of ice formation at the sealing surfaces.
These two problems have come to the forefront in the area of
liquefied natural gas (LNG). In order for LNG to be considered as a
viable alternative automotive fuel, it must be easily transferred
to the vehicle in which it will be used. In addition, it would be
generally desirable that the fuel storage tanks on such vehicles be
refilled as quickly as possible. This leads to the prospect of
multiple quickly-successive short-duration transfers of LNG, at
cryogenic temperatures, between a chilled nozzle and a warm
receptacle in a potentially-moist environment. Hammer-type fittings
would not be appropriate in this situation because of the high
number of cycles the coupling must endure between maintenance
cycles. In addition, the couplings should be small and light-weight
so that they may be readily joined and separated by a low-strength
operator.
Various types of couplings for handling such cryogenic fluids have
been developed. Many of these have recognized the problem of ice
formation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,116,943 appears to disclose
a quick disconnect-type of cryogenic coupling having a male half
adapted to be selectively inserted into, and withdrawn from, a
female half. Because of the problem of icing, a lever yoke is
provided to magnify the operator's manual strength.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,614 discloses another form of quick
disconnect-type of cryogenic coupling having mating male and female
halves. Each half has a poppet-type check valve arranged to move
automatically to a flow-permitting position when the halves are
joined, and arranged to close the flow passageway when the two
halves are separated. This patent clearly identifies the problem of
ice formation both within and without the coupling, and posits, as
one possible solution to the problem, the removal of two-thirds of
the coupling balls to provide receptacles for ice.
Additional details as to other cryogenic couplings may be found in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,309,049, 4,149,388 and 3,988,029.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With parenthetical reference to the corresponding parts, portions
or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for purposes of
illustration, and not by way of limitation, the invention provides,
in one aspect, an improvement in a self-sealing female or male
fluid coupling half (31 or 32) which is adapted to convey a fluid
at a sub-freezing temperature. The coupling half (31 or 32)
includes a tubular body (33 or 39) having an inner surface (61 or
136) and an internal annular seat (34 or 41), and includes a poppet
(35 or 42) mounted within said body for relative movement toward
and away from the seat. The improvement comprises: the poppet (35
or 42) having an outer surface (71 or 71') arranged in spaced
facing relation to said body inner surface (61 or 136), and having
at least one protrusion (75,76 or 75',76') extending outwardly from
one of the surfaces (71 or 71') toward the other of the surfaces.
This protrusion terminates in distal surfaces (78,75 or 78',75')
which are arranged to slidably engage the other surface (61 or
136). The protrusion has an outer edge configured and arranged as a
scraper (78,79, 78,80, 74,75 or 78',79', 78',80', 74',75') for
removing ice adhering to said body inner surface (61 or 136) when
the poppet (35 or 42) is moved relative to said body (33 or
39).
In another aspect, the invention provides a coupling (30) which is
adapted to convey a fluid at sub-freezing temperatures. This
coupling broadly comprises: a female coupling half (31) having a
tubular body (33) terminating in a distal end (46), the female half
body having an inner surface (61), an outer surface (51) and an
internal annular abutment surface (59); a male coupling half (32)
including an outer tubular sleeve (38) having an inner surface
(105) and having an internal annular projection (108), and
including an inner tubular body (39) concentrically arranged within
the sleeve for axial movement relative thereto, the male half body
having a distal end face (110) and having an outer surface (120)
arranged in spaced facing relation to the sleeve inner surface
(105) so as to form an annular recess (157) therebetween which
extends between the male half body distal end (110) and the sleeve
projection (108), the distal marginal end (46) of the female half
body (33) being axially insertable into the male half recess (157)
until the female half distal end (46) abuts said male half
projection (108); a holding mechanism (165) for preventing
unintended separation of the joined coupling halves; and a lever
(40,143) for selectively moving the male half body (39) relative to
the male half sleeve (38) in a direction toward said female half
abutment surface (59).
In still another aspect, the invention provides a fluid coupling
(30) adapted to convey fluid at a sub-freezing temperature, this
coupling having a first member (e.g., 33) provided with a concave
arcuate surface (e.g., 61) generated about an axis (e.g., x--x) and
having a second member (e.g., 35) provided with a coaxial convex
arcuate surface (e.g., 71) arranged in spaced facing relation to
the concave arcuate surface, the members being mounted for relative
axial movement, the improvement which comprises: a protrusion
(e.g., 76) extending from one of the arcuate surfaces toward the
other of the arcuate surfaces, the protrusion having a first side
surface (e.g., 79) facing in one axial direction and having a
second side surface (e.g., 80) facing in the opposite axial
direction, said protrusion also having a coaxial distal arcuate
surface (e.g., 78) slidably engaging the other arcuate surface and
joining the margins of the first and second side surfaces, the
first side surface defining with the distal arcuate surface a first
edge adapted to scrape ice adhering to the other arcuate surface
when the protrusion-carrying member is moved in said one axial
direction relative to the other member, and the second side surface
defining with the distal arcuate surface a second edge adapted to
scrape ice adhering to the other arcuate surface when the
protrusion-carrying member is moved in the opposite axial
direction; whereby the area in sliding contact between the two
members may be reduced.
Accordingly, the general object of the invention is to provide an
improved fluid coupling for handling cryogenic fluids.
Another object is to provide an improved cryogenic fluid coupling
which is adapted for use in filling a plurality of LNG storage
tanks at ambient temperatures.
Still another object is to provide an improved cryogenic fluid
coupling which accommodates the presence of ice within and without
the coupling, and which provides for ice removal at various
critical regions during operation.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from
the foregoing and ongoing written specification, the drawings and
the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of one
form of the improved coupling, this view showing the separated male
half as being axially aligned with the female section, prior to
insertion and engagement.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional
view of the female coupling half shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of the
female half body shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of the
female half poppet shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view of the
female half poppet, taken generally on line 5--5 of FIG. 4, showing
the intermediate and rightward-most protrusions extending radially
outwardly from the poppet side wall.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional
view of the male coupling half shown in FIG. 1, this view showing
the body as having been fully retracted within the outer tubular
sleeve.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of the
male half outer tubular sleeve shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of the
male half body shown in FIG. 6, with the seal, seal retainer and
retaining ring being shown in exploded aligned relation
thereto.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of the
male half stop member shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of
the male half poppet shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional
view thereof, showing the leftward distal end of the female half
body as having been inserted into the male half recess so as to
initially position and align the two coupling halves prior to
operation of the male half lever, this view also showing the
retaining ring as scraping ice from the female half body as the two
coupling halves are brought together.
FIG. 12 is a view generally similar to FIG. 11, but depicting the
male half lever as having been moved in a clockwise direction so as
to displace the male half body rightwardly relative to the male
half sleeve, this view depicting both poppets as having been
displaced off their seats such that the joined coupling is fully
opened.
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of a
male filling nozzle and a female receptacle for use in refilling a
vehicle with LNG, and also showing the eccentrically-positioned
holding mechanism as preventing unintended separation of the male
and female coupling halves.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference
numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements,
portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing
figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further
described or explained by the entire written specification of which
this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise
indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., arrangement
of parts, mounting, etc.) together with the specification, and are
to be considered a portion of the entire written description of
this invention. As used in the following description, the terms
"horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well
as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g.,
"horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.) simply refer to
the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular
drawing figure faces the reader. Unless otherwise indicated, the
terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to the orientation of a
surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis or rotation, as
appropriate.
Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly, to FIG. 1
thereof, the present invention provides several improvements in a
coupling, generally indicated at 30, which is adapted to convey a
fluid at a sub-freezing temperature. In some cases, the fluid may
be at a cryogenic temperature (i.e., at a temperature below
-150.degree. C.). The improved coupling 30 is shown as broadly
including a rightward female coupling half, generally indicated at
31, and a leftward male coupling half, generally indicated at
32.
The female coupling half 31 is shown as including a
horizontally-elongated tubular body 33 having a rightwardly-facing
internal annular seat 34, a poppet 35 arranged within body 33 for
movement toward and away from seat 34, and a spring 36 acting
between the body and the poppet for continuously urging poppet 35
to move leftwardly into fluid-tight sealed engagement with seat
34.
The male coupling half 32 is shown as having a
horizontally-elongated outer tubular sleeve 38, a
horizontally-elongated tubular body 39 arranged within outer sleeve
38 for movement relative thereto, and a lever 40 operatively
arranged to selectively move the inner body 39 relative to outer
sleeve 38. The male half body is shown as having a
leftwardly-facing internal annular seat 41, a poppet 42 arranged
within body 39 for movement toward and away from seat 41, a stop
member 43 mounted within body 39 to the left of the poppet, and a
spring 44 acting between body 39 and poppet 42 for urging the
poppet to move rightwardly relative to the body into fluid-tight
sealed engagement with seat 41. Another coil spring 45 acts between
outer sleeve 38 and body 39 for continually urging the body to move
leftwardly relative to sleeve 38 to a fully-retracted position, as
shown in FIG. 1.
The structure and operation of the improved coupling will be
described seriatim herebelow.
Female Coupling Half 31 (FIGS. 2-4)
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the female half body 33 is again
shown as being a specially-configured tubular member elongated
along horizontal axis x--x, having an annular vertical left end
face 46, and an annular vertical right end face 48. Body 33 has an
outer surface which sequentially includes, in pertinent part: a
horizontal cylindrical surface 49 extending rightwardly from the
outer margin of left end face 46; a rightwardly-facing concave
annular surface 50; a horizontal cylindrical surface 51; a stepped
portion, collectively indicated at 52, by which the female half
body may be attached or secured to other structure (not shown in
FIGS. 2-4); a horizontal cylindrical surface 53; a
leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface 54; and a horizonal
cylindrical surface 55 continuing rightwardly therefrom to join the
outer margin of right end face 48. Body 31 is further provided with
a stepped axial through-bore which sequentially includes (from
left-to-right): an inwardly- and leftwardly-facing frusto-conical
surface 56 extending rightwardly from the inner margin of left end
face 46, a horizonal cylindrical surface 58, a leftwardly-facing
annular vertical surface 59, a horizontal cylindrical surface 60, a
rightwardly- and inwardly-facing frusto-conical surface forming
seat 34, a horizontal cylindrical surface 61, and an
internally-threaded portion 62 continuing rightwardly therefrom to
join the inner margin of right end face 48. Threaded portion 62 is
adapted to engage a suitable conduit (not shown) communicating with
a source of (not shown), or appliance for (not shown), the serviced
fluid.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an annular groove 63 extends
radially into body 33 from surface 61 to receive and accommodate a
retaining ring 64 by means of which a disk-shaped member 65 may be
prevented from moving rightwardly relative to the body.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the female half poppet 35 is shown as
being a specially-configured cup-shaped member, elongated along
horizontal axis x--x, having a stem portion 66 extending leftwardly
and terminating in a distal end 68. The poppet has a thin-walled
cylindrical side wall 69 extending between an inner horizontal
cylindrical surface 70 and an outer horizontal cylindrical surface
71. Inner surface 70 terminates in a rightwardly-facing annular
vertical shoulder 72, from which a radially-thin annular flange 73
extends further rightwardly. An annular concave surface 74 joins
outer cylindrical surface 71 with a radially-enlarged cylindrical
surface 75 on flange 73. Intermediate its longitudinal extent,
poppet member 35 is provided with a plurality of protrusions,
severally indicated at 76, which extend radially outwardly in the
form of cylindrical segments from poppet outer surface 71 and which
terminate in outermost cylindrically-segmented distal arcuate
surfaces 78 adapted to slid ably engage female half body inner
surface 61. Protrusion outer surfaces 78 are joined to poppet outer
surface 71 by annular left and side right surfaces 79,80,
respectively. Left side surface 79 appears to have an annular
concave surface tangentially joining poppet outer surface 71, and a
leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface extending outwardly
therefrom to perpendicularly join the left margin of protrusion
distal arcuate surface 78. Right side surface 80 is in the form of
a concave arcuate surface which tangentially joins poppet outer
surface 71 and which perpendicularly joins the right margin of
protrusion distal arcuate surface 78. As best shown in FIG. 5, the
poppet is further provided with four circumferentially-spaced
axially-elongated oval-shaped through-slots, severally indicated at
81, which are arranged between intermediate protrusion segments 76.
The outer edges defined by intermediate protrusion surfaces 78,79,
and rightward protrusion surfaces 74,75 form sharp-edged scrapers
for removing ice adhering to female half body inner surface 61 when
female half poppet 35 is moved leftwardly toward seat 34.
Similarly, intermediate protrusion surfaces 80,78 form a
rightwardly-facing sharp-edged scraper which is adapted to remove
ice from body inner surface 61 when the female half poppet is moved
rightwardly away from seat 34.
As best shown in FIG. 2, coil spring 36 acts between disk member 65
mounted fast to the body, and poppet shoulder 72, and continuously
urges the poppet to move leftwardly relative to the body and toward
fluid-tight sealed engagement with seat 34.
The female coupling half is assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
When separated from the male half, spring 36 will expand to urge
poppet 35 into fluid-tight sealed engagement with scat 34. Thus,
when the two coupling halves are separated, poppet 35 will close
automatically. In the preferred embodiment, intermediate
protrusions 76 are in the form of annular segments, while the
rightwardmost protrusion is shown as being an annular member. This
rightward protrusion could also be in the from of a plurality of
arcuate segments as well, if so desired. It should also be noted
that, alternatively, the protrusions could be mounted on the body
and could extend toward the poppet, if desired.
Male Coupling Half 32 (FIGS. 6-10)
As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the male half sleeve 38 is a
specially-configured tubular member, elongated along horizontal
axis x--x, having an annular vertical left end face 86, and an
annular vertical right end face 88. The sleeve outer surface
includes a horizontal cylindrical surface 89 extending rightwardly
from the outer margin of left end face 86, a leftwardly-facing
annular vertical surface 90, a horizontal cylindrical surface 91, a
rightwardly-facing concave arcuate surface 92, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 93, a leftwardly-facing annular vertical
surface 94, a horizontal cylindrical surface 95, a
rightwardly-facing concave arcuate surface 96, and a horizontal
cylindrical surface 98 continuing rightwardly therefrom to join the
outer margin of right end face 88. Surfaces 94 and 96
perpendicularly join outer arcuate surface 95. Sleeve 38 is also
shown as having a stepped inner surface which sequentially includes
(from left-to-right: a horizontal cylindrical surface 99 extending
rightwardly from the inner margin of left end face 86, a
leftwardly- and inwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 100, a
horizontal cylindrical surface 101, a leftwardly-facing annular
vertical surface 102, a horizontal cylindrical surface 103, a
rightly-facing annular vertical surface 104, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 105, and a rightwardly- and inwardly-facing
frusto-conical surface 106 continuing rightwardly therefrom to join
the inner margin of right end face 88. Surfaces 102, 103 and 104
form an internal annular projection 108 on the female half
body.
Referring now to FIG. 8, body 39 is also shown as being a
specially-configured tubular member, also elongated along
horizontal axis x--x, having an annular vertical left end face 109,
and an annular vertical right end face 110. The outer surface of
body 39 sequentially includes: a horizontal cylindrical surface 111
extending rightwardly from the outer margin of left end face 109, a
rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface 112, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 113, a rightwardly-facing annular vertical
surface 114, a horizontal cylindrical surface 115, a rightwardly-
and outwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 116, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 118, a rightwardly-facing annular vertical
surface 119, a horizontal cylindrical surface 120, a
leftwardly-facing annular vertical surface 121, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 122, a rightwardly-facing annular vertical
surface 123, a horizontal cylindrical surface 124, a
rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface 125, and a horizontal
cylindrical surface 126 continuing rightwardly therefrom to join
the outer margin of right end face 110.
An annular groove extends radially into body 39 from surface 126 to
receive and accommodate a retaining ring 127 (FIG. 6), which holds
the inner surface of a disklike seal retainer 128 against surface
126. Other annular vertical grooves, indicated at 129 and 130,
respectively, extend into body member 39 from surfaces 113, 115,
respectively, to similarly receive other retaining rings (not shown
in FIGS. 6-10) by means of which the other structure may be mounted
thereon. Body 39 is also shown as having a stepped horizontal
through-bore, which is sequentially bounded by: a leftwardly- and
inwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 131 extending rightwardly
from the inner margin of left end face 109, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 132, an internally-threaded portion 133, a
horizontal cylindrical surface 134, a leftwardly- and
inwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 135, a horizontal
cylindrical surface 136, a leftwardly- and inwardly-facing
frusto-conical surface forming seat 41, and a horizontal
cylindrical surface 138 continuing rightwardly therefrom to join
the inner margin of fight end face 110. Threaded portion 133 is
adapted to mate with a complimentarily-configured fitting (not
shown) on the distal end of a conduit (not shown) which
communicates with a source of (not shown), or appliance for (also
not shown), the serviced fluid.
An annular groove 139 (FIG. 8) extends radially into the body from
surface 136 to receive and accommodate a retaining ring 140 (FIG.
6) by which the stop member may be mounted on the body.
A diametrical hole 141 is provided through body 39 between threaded
portion 133 and surface 134 to receive and accommodate a pin 142
(FIG. 6) by which a C-shaped link 143 may be attached to the body.
This link is one branch of an inverted U-shaped yoke member, having
its upper end pivotally connected, as indicated at 144, to an
intermediate portion of lever 40. Lever 40 has its lower marginal
end portion pivotally mounted in a sleeve block 145 for rotation
about pivotal axis 146. Thus, as seen in FIG. 6, when lever 40 is
moved in a counter-clockwise direction, the male half body 39 will
be retracted (i.e., moved leftwardly) relative to outer sleeve 38.
Conversely, when the lever is moved in a clockwise direction, the
male half body will be extended (i.e., moved rightwardly) relative
to sleeve 38.
As best shown in FIG. 9, stop member 43 is a specially-configured
horizontally-elongated tubular member having an annular vertical
left end face 148, and an annular vertical right end face 149, and
an outer surface which sequentially includes: a horizontal
cylindrical surface 150 extending rightwardly from the outer margin
of left end face 148, a rightwardly-facing annular vertical surface
151, a horizontal cylindrical surface 152, a rightwardly- and
outwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 153, and a horizontal
cylindrical surface 154 continuing rightwardly therefrom to join
the outer margin of right end face 149. The stop member also has an
axial through-bore which is sequentially bounded by: a leftwardly-
and inwardly-facing frusto-conical surface 155 extending
rightwardly from the inner margin of left end face 148, and a
horizontal cylindrical surface 156 continuing rightwardly therefrom
to join the inner margin of right end face 149.
As best shown in FIG. 10, the female half poppet 42 is structurally
identical to male half poppet 35, although one is arranged as a
mirror image of the other. In as much as male half poppet 35 has
already been described, the primes of the same reference numerals
have been applied to the corresponding parts, portions or surfaces
of the female poppet member.
The male coupling half is assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6.
Spring 45 urges the male half body 39 to retract within sleeve 38.
When separated from the female half, spring 40 will expand to urge
poppet 42 into fluid-tight sealed engagement with seat 41. When the
male half body 39 is retracted within sleeve 38, as shown in FIGS.
1 and 6, the right marginal end portion of the male half sleeve
embraces the left marginal end portion of the female half body as
the two halves are brought together. This serves to align and guide
the twice halves during closure, and is enhanced by the guiding
action of frusto-conical surface 106. Here again, the position of
the protrusions 76,76' could be reversed, if so desired.
Operational Sequence (FIGS. 11-12)
The operational sequence during joinder and separation may be
readily appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 1, 12 and 13.
During joinder, the two separated halves are initially aligned and
oriented as generally shown in FIG. 1. Being separated, the
respective coupling springs will have urged their associated
poppets into fluid-tight sealed engagement with the associated
seats on each coupling body. In any event, the two halves are
generally aligned in an axial direction, with the right marginal
end portion of the male half sleeve being adapted to surround and
embrace the left marginal end portion of the female section body
when the coupling sections are brought together.
The two coupling halves are then moved axially toward one another.
The sharpened annular edge between female body surfaces 46,49 will
scrape and remove any ice obstructing the path of movement as the
two coupling sections are brought together. This is illustrated in
FIG. 11. In this initial position, the right marginal end portion
of the male section sleeve serves to continue to guide such
insertion. It will also be noted that during this initial
insertion, the male and female section poppets remain operatively
engaged with their seats. Also, during such initial joinder and
insertion, the sharpened edge on the seal retainer scrapes ice
adhering to female half body inner surface 58. Thus, during
joinder, the sharpened edge of seal retainer 127 scrapes ice
adhering to body inner surface 58 ahead of seal 158.
After female half body left end face 46 engages male sleeve
shoulder 104, as shown in FIG. 12, lever 40 is moved in a
clock,vise direction. This causes the male section body 39 to move
rightwardly relative to the sleeve (i.e., to extend). As the male
section body moves rightwardly, the distal ends of poppets 35,35'
will first abut. As the male half body continues to move
rightwardly within the male half sleeve, the two poppets will be
displaced axially off their respective seats. In the embodiment
shown, male half spring 44 has a lesser spring rate than female
half spring 36. Thus, the male section poppet will open first until
such time as its shoulder surface 72' abuts the fight end face of
stop member 43. Thereafter, continued extension of the male half
body relative to the sleeve will subsequently cause the female
section poppet to open.
In any event, the sharpened edges defined by poppet surfaces 78,80
and 78',80', will serve to scrape ice adhering to the inside
surface of the associated body as the poppet moves away from its
seat. To the end, the poppets have been provided with vent openings
81,81', to permit such ice which has been removed to pass through
the poppet side wall to an out-of-the-way position.
FIG. 12 illustrates the fully-opened condition of the valve, with
ice being formed at certain selected places thereon. This is
intended to be illustrative only, and not limitative of the scope
of the appended claims.
After the two coupling halves have been joined and opened so as to
permit fluid to flow through the connected passageway, ice will
form at various portions of the coupling. The extent and nature of
such ice formation is variable, and may depend on the temperature
of the service fluid, the humidity both within and without the
coupling, and on other factors as well. Thus, ice may form at
various places, and with various thicknesses, depending on a number
of factors.
In any event, to disassemble the fully-opened coupling, shown in
FIG. 12, the operator first moves lever 40 in a counter-clockwise
direction. As this occurs, the male body begins to retract (i.e.,
move leftwardly within) the male outer sleeve. Initially, female
half poppet 35 moves toward and ultimately engages seat 34, owing
to the relative stiffness of spring 36. Thereafter, continued
counter-clockwise rotation of lever 40 will permit spring 44 to
expand, urging male half poppet 42 toward seat 41. Ultimately, the
male section poppet will sealingly engage seat 41. After the two
poppets have sealingly engaged their respective seats, the two
coupling halves may be separated by further relative axial movement
away from one another.
It should be noted that the present invention provides a number of
sharp-edged scrapers at critically-important locations on the male
and female halves. These scrapers are positioned to scrape and
remove ice when the two coupling halves are brought together and
joined, as well as when they are separated. One such sharp-edge
scraper is defined between female half body left end face 46 and
outer surface 49. This edge is adapted to scrape ice adhering to
the inner surfaces 105,106 of the male half sleeve when the two
sections are joined together. Conversely, the intersection of
female half surfaces 49,50 defines a rightwardly-facing edge which
is adapted to scrape ice adhering to sleeve surfaces 105,106 when
the two coupling halves are separated. The male half sleeve is
provided with four horizontally-elongated circumferentially-spaced
through-slots, severally indicated at 159, to permit scraped ice to
pass therethrough so as not to impede the joinder or
separation.
Seal 158 is provided on a protrusion on the right marginal end
portion of the male section body. The outermost edge of seal
retainer 127 scrapes ice adhering to female body inner surface 58
when the two sections are brought together. Conversely, male half
body surfaces 121,122 define a leftwardly-facing sharpened edge
which is adapted to scrape ice adhering to female body inner
surface 58 when the two sections are removed from one another.
Still further, the two poppets are provided with intermediate and
rearward protrusions. These define leftwardly- and
rightwardly-facing sharpened edges which are adapted to scrape ice
from the associated body inner surface, depending upon the
direction of movement. Also, the rightwardmost most protrusions on
the poppets serve an additional ice-scraping function. To this end,
the poppets are provided with circumferentially-spaced
through-slots 81,81', respectively, to permit such scraped ice to
enter the poppet, so as to not interfere with operation of the
coupling. It should also be noted that poppet protrusions 76,75
also serve to guide movement of the poppet within the associated
body. Similarly, sleeve projection 108 serves to guide extension
and retraction of the male half body, and to provide an abutment
stop for insertion of the female half body.
Thus, the invention provides scrapers and/or guides at critical
locations within the coupling halves to remove ice from facing
relatively-moveable surfaces, and also provides passages so that
the separated ice does not accumulate in an operation-preventing
position.
LNG Coupling (FIG. 13)
FIG. 13 illustrates an LNG coupling, generally indicated at 160,
which, in large part, comprises a manifolding of the various
coupling halves heretofore described. More particularly, two male
coupling halves 161,162, are shown as being aligned with two female
halves 163,164. These respective coupling halves are as previously
described.
Coupling 160 is shown as further including a holding mechanism,
generally indicated at 165, for releasably holding the respective
coupling halves in a joined position until it is desired that they
be separated.
In one form, the two male coupling halves are connected to conduits
(not shown) leading to an LNG source, and the two female halves are
connected to a vehicular-mounted LNG storage tank. Thus, when it is
desired to refuel the vehicle, the coupling halves are joined in
the manner heretofore described. Liquified LNG is permitted to flow
through one of the connected couplings, and vapor is permitted to
return from the tank to the source through the other coupling. If
desired, holding mechanism 165 may be operated by, or in
conjunction with, levers 40. It should also be noted that the
holding mechanism 165 is not concentric with either coupling axis
x--x, but is positioned between the two couplings and is elongated
along axis y--y. Thus, eccentric position of holding mechanism 165
will reduce freeze-up problems due to its location away from the
serviced fluid.
In FIG. 13, the operational sequence during joinder and separation
is substantially as heretofore described.
Modifications
The present invention contemplates that many changes and
modifications may be made. The specific configuration of the
various parts and components may be readily changes as desired. The
ice-scraping protrusions may be mounted on either surface so as to
extend toward the other. The salient here is that such protrusions
that should scrape ice and remove ice from such facing surface
during insertion and/or separation. Similarly, sliding seal 158 may
be mounted on either member. In many cases, an associated body or
member is deliberately provided with openings to permit ice to pass
therethrough. Thus, the poppets are provided with openings 81,81',
respectively, and sleeve 38 is provided with slots 159. The number,
size and spacing of these various slots and openings may be changed
or modified as desired. As used herein, a sharpened edge is one
defined by surfaces (i.e., either planar or curved) which meet at
an angle of about 90.degree..
Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the inventive
coupling has been shown and described, and several modifications
thereof discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily
appreciate the various additional changes and modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined
and differentiated by the following claims.
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